The Israeli government has approved a plan to admit 5,800 members of the Bnei Menashe ethnic group from India to Israel under Aliyah laws. The initiative is jointly coordinated with the Indian government and aims to settle the group in the Galilee region. The first group of 1,200 individuals is scheduled to arrive in the following year. The government expects to allocate approximately €23.8 million for the initial phase of settlement, covering temporary housing, Hebrew language instruction, job guidance, and social programs.
The Bnei Menashe, originating from the northeastern Indian states of Mizoram and Manipur, identify as descendants of the biblical tribe of Manasseh. They have previously practiced Christianity before converting to Judaism and receiving recognition from Israel's Chief Rabbinate. The community observes traditional Jewish practices, celebrates Jewish holidays such as Sukkot, and has established synagogues. The government's decision follows the recognition of the Bnei Menashe as descendants of a lost tribe of Israel by the then Sephardi Chief Rabbi in 2005.
Over the past two decades, approximately 4,000 members of the Bnei Menashe have already immigrated to Israel. The Galilee region, where the group is to reside, has experienced significant demographic shifts due to conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in tens of thousands of residents leaving the area in recent years. The government views the settlement as a measure to strengthen Israel's northern region.